How is AAP set up in middle schools?

[Anonymous]

We’re new to FCPS and our kids are in 4th and 6th grade AAP (Local level IV). We will have to decide between Thoreau and Jackson for middle school. I’m not asking for a debate on which school is better, etc. I’m trying to figure out whether they would be taking honors or “AAP” classes, whether they will be automatically enrolled in either, and what is the difference between the two? I do understand that the math enrollment might be based on what level or subject (Math 7, Math 7 H, Algebra 1, etc.) the student is ready for. But what about English? Is AAP English 7 Honors different than English 7 Honors, or is it just that the class is made up of mostly AAP students?

And going back to the Thoreau versus Jackson, would the standard (not electives) course offerings be the same at both schools?

Thanks in advance for the info.

[Anonymous]

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/915240.page

it doesn't matter. Pick the school not the program.

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that if you choose the AAP track, your child is in all AAP classes and then whatever math they test into, either 7th Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. I don't believe that you can take some Honors and some AAP classes.

You can take honors and non-honors classes at any middle school.

[Anonymous]

My oldest was in AAP at Thoreau, my youngest is in Honors classes there. Yes, there are some differences between the AAP Honors section and the non-AAP Honors sections. The AAP sections had more extensions, usually in the form of additional projects. If you are eligible and elect the AAP program, you'll be in AAP classes for English, Science and Social Studies...you don't pick and choose.

One thing to note at Thoreau is that all students take Honors in Science and Social Studies, whether it's AAP or not. There is no non-Honors option. English offers a choice of Honors or gen ed, and math is based on placement (in 7th grade, that would be Math 7, Math 7 H or Algebra I H with the occasional student already in Geometry).

[Anonymous]

Other than the math (which you are correct is a separate evaluation), if your child has already qualified for Level IV AAP, at LJMS your child would be placed in AAP for English, Science, and Social Studies as opposed to honors. All MS AAP classes have only Level IV qualified kids - no principal placement like in ES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

One thing to note at Thoreau is that all students take Honors in Science and Social Studies, whether it's AAP or not. There is no non-Honors option. English offers a choice of Honors or gen ed, and math is based on placement (in 7th grade, that would be Math 7, Math 7 H or Algebra I H with the occasional student already in Geometry).

What about the kids who are completely average or even below average? Are they forced to struggle in a class that's too advanced for them, or is the class watered down and Honors in name only? Having only one track available is a horrible way to meet the needs of the full range of students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

One thing to note at Thoreau is that all students take Honors in Science and Social Studies, whether it's AAP or not. There is no non-Honors option. English offers a choice of Honors or gen ed, and math is based on placement (in 7th grade, that would be Math 7, Math 7 H or Algebra I H with the occasional student already in Geometry).

What about the kids who are completely average or even below average? Are they forced to struggle in a class that's too advanced for them, or is the class watered down and Honors in name only? Having only one track available is a horrible way to meet the needs of the full range of students.

there is probably not enough demand- what do you do if only 10 or 15 kids request non-honors, have a half empty class or force kids who selected honors to take regular track

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

One thing to note at Thoreau is that all students take Honors in Science and Social Studies, whether it's AAP or not. There is no non-Honors option. English offers a choice of Honors or gen ed, and math is based on placement (in 7th grade, that would be Math 7, Math 7 H or Algebra I H with the occasional student already in Geometry).

What about the kids who are completely average or even below average? Are they forced to struggle in a class that's too advanced for them, or is the class watered down and Honors in name only? Having only one track available is a horrible way to meet the needs of the full range of students.

there is probably not enough demand- what do you do if only 10 or 15 kids request non-honors, have a half empty class or force kids who selected honors to take regular track

The PP actually addressed that. There are Gen Ed level classes, ie non-Honors. Math has a Gen Ed and Honors section. The PP mentioned that English has a non-Honors section. I would be surprised to find that there is not a Gen Ed section for Science and Social Studies as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

One thing to note at Thoreau is that all students take Honors in Science and Social Studies, whether it's AAP or not. There is no non-Honors option. English offers a choice of Honors or gen ed, and math is based on placement (in 7th grade, that would be Math 7, Math 7 H or Algebra I H with the occasional student already in Geometry).

What about the kids who are completely average or even below average? Are they forced to struggle in a class that's too advanced for them, or is the class watered down and Honors in name only? Having only one track available is a horrible way to meet the needs of the full range of students.

there is probably not enough demand- what do you do if only 10 or 15 kids request non-honors, have a half empty class or force kids who selected honors to take regular track

The PP actually addressed that. There are Gen Ed level classes, ie non-Honors. Math has a Gen Ed and Honors section. The PP mentioned that English has a non-Honors section. I would be surprised to find that there is not a Gen Ed section for Science and Social Studies as well.

Consider yourself surprised. There are NO gen ed level classes in Science or Social Studies at Thoreau. Everyone takes Honors (AAP Honors for kids in that track).